“I am the Lord, the God of every person on earth. Nothing is impossible for me.” [Jer. 32:27 NEV]
There are times that we cling to one verse of scripture out of pure desperation. In truth we may even take it out of context and if we do that as a weapon against someone shame on us. But on occasion the desperation is so deep that we might be forgiven our exegetical indiscretion.
Today, actually for several days I have been clinging to the promise that God is the God of every person and that for God nothing is impossible. As Christians we are believers of the impossible. We have heard of the miracles; the blind given sight, multitudes fed, storms calmed with a few words and Jesus risen from the dead. Of course not everyone believes it, but we do. And because we do we can hope that even when things seem impossible God can step in and do what needs doing.
My heart is heavy these days as I think of a dear one’s spouse for whom the Commendation of the Dying was prayed and now a family waits the inevitable. What is the impossible to pray for here? How about a peaceful end and a family that will stay close to one another in support and love thankful for a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, a true gift from God. “He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there.”
My heart is heavy as a loved one navigates a still uncertain recovery and confusing diagnosis in a time of Covid-19 which means that hospitals and rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes do not allow visitors even though very often those we love provide the best medicine. And here the prayer is for strength, unity, and healing for everyone involved. “Jesus still lead on,’ til our rest be won; and although the way be cheerless, we will follow calm and fearless; guide us by your hand to the promised land.”
My heart is heavy as I strive to “do no harm” as we approach the possibility of in-person worship for those who desire it. We will certainly take all the necessary precautions but still, there are no guarantees and I only want to do the right thing, the God’s will thing. So that’s the prayer: “Thy will be done.”
My heart is heavy because there are others that I worry about who also have challenges and worries of their own whether ongoing grief, lack of resources because of job loss, on going chronic illness, incredible loneliness, or fear about the future. What better prayer than “O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, still be our guard while troubles last and our eternal home.”
Ah, but then I remember, the Lord is God of every person, even me, even those who cause my heart to be heavy and nothing is impossible for God.
Lord, have mercy. Amen
The Rev. Ellen Meissgeier